Smart multifunctional coatings for antibacterial and self-cleaning applications

Abstract

The contamination of healthcare and industrial surfaces by microbes, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains, has stimulated more excellent studies into creating effective antibacterial coatings. This work presents the rapid synthesis of metal nitrate (Ag) doped methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) coatings and the quick assessment of their antibacterial activity. The coatings were challenged with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures. The surface roughness of the modified coatings increases from 23.15 nm to 51.17 nm, and the corresponding water contact angle increases from 97° to 154°. Electron micrographs of the Ag/SiO2 coatings revealed a highly porous network of silica particles on the glass surface. The Ag/SiO2 coatings showed moderate antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) whereas strong antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli).